Casual work whilst on maternity leave!!

[gillian88]

Hi everyone,

my 9 months maternity leave is up at the end of this month.I only get SMP- the company I work for doesnt offer any extra. Im really dreading going back. DD is only 6 months and I just dont feel ready to leave her yet! I understand you can take an additional 3 months maternity but this is unpaid. Does anyone know if you can do casual work for another company whilst on this extended maternity leave? I have been offered work- no contracted hours, maybe one or two evenings a week which would keep me going financially if I take the additional maternity leave. Is this even legal?

I'm not sure , I don't think it is legal as your still under contract with your workplace. however you are no longer receiving smp either so I can't see why it would not be allowed. Maybe try the hmrc website or call ACAS and ask .

Thanks lonelybunny, will give them a wee call x

You are allowed to work on a self employed basis.

As I understand it, you're allowed to work freelance for another org while on maternity leave. You can negotiate for your existing employer to pay for up to ten KIT days, have you considered using those too?